A.D. HOG. BISHOP GILBEBT'S LETTEB TO THE POPE. 285 king also asserts that he has by no means expelled our father, the lord archbishop of Canterbury, from his kingdom; as he has left it entirely of his own accord, so when he shall have a mind so to do, he will be entirely at liberty with his entire sanction to return to his church. Provided always, that while he receives satisfaction on those points upon which he makes complaint, he shall be willing that the royal privileges should be faithfully observed to which he has been sworn. And, if any church or ecclesiastical person shall make proof that they have been wronged by him or his people, he will be prepared to make full compensation, according to the judgment of the whole Church. This is the answer which we have received from our lord the king, although we could have wished that we had received something more entirely according to your wishes. This answer, however, we have determined upon notifying to your highness, that from his reply your wisdom might be enabled to form a judgment how to put an end to these matters. But our lord, the king, seems in especial to justify his cause, upon the fact that on all the points which have been mentioned, he will abide by the judgment and counsel of the Church in his dominions ; and he promises that he will in nowise prevent the return of our father, the lord archbishop of Canterbury, as we have previously mentioned. AVherefore we have thought proper to supplicate your exceUency, keeping this always before our eyes, ' A bruised reed shalt thou not break, and the smoking flax shalt thou not quench.'66 Moderate for a time, if so it please you, within the bounds of discretion that zeal which is kindled by the flames of the Divine Spirit to avenge each injury done to the Church of God ; lest by pronouncing an interdict or the extreme sentence oP excommunication, you may have to lament that numberless churches are subverted, and so, which God forbid, irrevocably alienate from your allegiance both the king himself, and numberless people with him. Por it is as good for the limb to be joined to the head, even though wounded, as to be cast away from the body when cut off. Por wounded limbs return to a state of healthfulness, whereas, when once cut off, they have great difficulty in adhering to tbe body. To cut off a limb, is to entail desperation ; whereas the cautious treatment of the surgeon will very frequently heal the wound. "Wherefore, if so it please you, it were « St. Matt. xii. 20.